Race Report-Nautica Malibu Triathlon

Post race at the pier in Santa Monica, really awesome!

Coming out of the swim, it was wavy!

Starting the swim along with the male pros and young men age group.

Coming to the finish! This is my grandma cheering and uncle who both live nearby.

This was one of the most beautiful races I have ever done. Of course racing in the midwest there really isn't much to compare to. On Friday we went to the course to check it out. I knew when I signed up for this race that it would be an ocean swim but it never occurred to me that there would be waves. OHHHH my there was waves. The first time I got in the water Friday to practice I was slammed down. Almost 9 years of triathlon and I have NEVER had to swim into waves in the ocean. Most races are in harbors or protected in the ocean by piers of some sort. This race you swam out 400 yds or so then parallel to the beach and then back in. It was sooo much fun. Race morning I went to rack my bike and I was next to Matt Reed! Seriously I felt stupid. But it was awesome. He used my water to clean his goggles. I am a dork but it was really cool. I was definitely the nobody. They were all fast pros there. I don't think I knew anyone as new as me. I met a few girls on the walk to the start they seemed really nice and made me feel a little more calm knowing someone. The swim went off just fine. I was a little nervous on how to handle the waves as we ran into the water but it turned out fine. My biggest mistake of the swim was starting in the back of the pack. I wasn't confident of the swim so I started further back with some of the age group men. I got stuck with a bunch of slower swimmers and couldn't get out for the first 1/4 of the swim or so. I need to be more confident, lesson learned. Onto the bike I knew I could probably catch one or two of the girls so I worked hard. I didn't realize PCH was so hilly. But for me riding in Plainfield IL doesn't compare. Or my computrainer. It was nice that it was so rolly it went by really quick. I passed a few girls that looked like strong runners so I did the best I could. I was a little nervous heading into transition that my legs would be pooped. But much to my surprise I felt AWESOME. I took the first 2 miles or so super easy since Chicago went so bad. I really wanted to come away from this race having a positive experience, I didn't even care about placing more than feeling good. By the time I hit mile 3 I picked it up a ton. It was one of those races that everything in the run was smooth. I wished I felt this good at Chicago! As I came into the last mile along the sidewalk of the beach a helicopter landed along with some firetrucks. They suddenly rerouted us around all of it onto the sand. UGH, I think it was 50-100 meters of sand running, SO slow. I think my run split was about 1 min off or so b/c of it. I don't think it would have changed my place but it would have been nice to have a faster split! All in all it was a great experience. I know I will get faster for next season since I will actually have a base and an OLDER baby!

My Mom and I had soooo much fun too. It really makes a difference to get away and get some rest! Now for some off season rest and then onto base training.